Mysuru: The Karnataka tourism department is set to unveil a special attraction for this year’s Dasara festival: the Ambaari double-decker buses, which promise an enchanting cityscape experience for visitors to the Palace City. This initiative aims to offer a distinctive view of the festivities, creating lasting memories for those who partake in the Dasara celebrations.
Beginning its operations on October 15 and continuing through the festive season until the end of October, these luxurious double-decker buses will embark on city tours at three designated times: 6 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm.
The Ambaari Dasara bus is a visual delight, featuring an open-roof design that invites passengers to immerse themselves in the city’s allure from either of its two decks. The lower deck boasts 24 comfortable seats, while the upper deck offers an exclusive view with 20 seats. Tickets for this unique experience are attractively priced, with lower deck seats available at Rs. 250 and upper deck seats at Rs. 500, conveniently bookable online.
To enhance the journey with an educational component, an audio guide narrates the city’s rich history and cultural significance in both Kannada and English. As passengers approach key tourist destinations, they can delve deeper into Mysuru’s heritage, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the city.
These buses, distinguished by their striking purple exteriors adorned with an Ambaari elephant motif, are reminiscent of the iconic open-roofed London Big Bus model.
Operating as ‘hop-on-hop-off’ services, the Ambaari Dasara buses seamlessly connect tourists to Mysuru’s most iconic destinations, including the Mysuru Palace, Zoo, Jaganmohan Palace, Open-air Theatre, Karanji Palace, Crawford Hall, St. Philomena’s Church, Sangolli Rayanna Circle, Chamundi Vihar Stadium, Museums, Mansions, and other historical landmarks.
Departing from the Mayura Hotel in the city, passengers with pre-booked tickets are advised to arrive 15 minutes in advance.
With successful trial runs garnering enthusiastic responses from the public, Mysuru’s Ambaari Dasara double-decker buses are poised to become an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric. They offer a novel and captivating way to explore the rich tapestry of history and heritage that Mysuru has to offer during the festive season.